Automotive Parts

If your car breaks down at the side of the road it will certainly be an inconvenience and will delay your journey, but unlikely to be life threatening. If however your car breaks down whilst it is still moving the consequences could be entirely different, especially if you are travelling at high speed on a motorway, requiring you to react correctly and decisively to ensure your car is brought safely to a stop without causing an accident.

Engine Failure
Most modern cars now come with power assisted steering and brakes, so if the engine fails it is very likely that these systems will be affected too. Therefore you will need to be prepared to use extra force to turn the steering wheel and place extra force on the brake pedal to bring the car safely to stop.

Most engines are now governed by an electronic control system that have a limp home mode if they detect a fault, and this could mean your speed is suddenly limited to under 30mph, even if you are travelling at a much higher speed. If you suddenly experience a loss of power switch on your left hand indicator lights and use gaps in the traffic to safely pull over to the side of the road.

Engine Fire
If you detect an unusual burning or petrol smell, or see signs of fire pull over immediately and get all of the vehicle occupants out of the car and to a safe place as soon as possible. If the fire is inside the engine compartment do not open that bonnet, because the sudden rush of air will cause the fire to flare and burn even harder. Stay well back and call the fire brigade to handle it.

Engine Overheating
The first signs of an overheating engine will be on the rising temperature gauge inside the cockpit, which if left unnoticed can lead to steam coming out from under the bonnet. As soon as you suspect the engine is overheating pull over, switch on your hazard car bulbs and stop the engine as soon as possible otherwise the engine could be seriously damaged.

Allow the engine plenty of time to cool before investigating further, especially if you are going to remove the engine coolant filler cap and top up the fluid level. The reason for this is that the coolant system is a closed system and so whilst still hot will release scalding hot steam.

Modern car engines are normally extremely reliable, however faults do occasionally occur, so it is important to know how to react safely and correctly if they do.

No matter how reliable you think your car is it is always possible for a complication to occur, resulting in the breakdown of your trusty vehicle and possibly leaving you stranded. It always pays to be prepared and the same principle applies when you are travelling by car.

When you first notice your car is not running as it should then pull over safely to the side of the road so you are out of the way of oncoming traffic.

Once you have got your car off the road you should switch on your hazard lights to alert other drivers of your stationary vehicle. It is also important to remember to get in and out of your car using the door that is furthest away from the traffic.

A few simple tools are often all it takes to repair any damage or change a flat tyre and the ladies out there are just as capable of this as men, so long as they don’t mind getting their hands dirty!

Teaching yourself basic car repair is a good starting point to help avoid any unnecessary hold-up’s when out and about.

Knowledge of how to connect the battery as well as how to check the oil and radiator fluid levels could come in handy and all are easy ways to quickly and easily identify any problems which may be stopping your wheels from turning.

Getting a puncture is a common occurrence so it makes sense to know how to swap your flat tyre for the spare one should the occasion arise.

If you are not able to identify why your car is not working then you will need to call for some help and assistance. Having a functioning mobile phone is essential for this process. If you have breakdown cover then you should telephone your provider so a rescue vehicle can be sent to save the day.

If you do not have breakdown cover then do not fear as you could call a local service station or garage to at least have your car towed to a safer place and then you can arrange for the necessary repairs to be made.

If you are not too far from home then you can always rely upon friends or family to help you out in a time of need.

Other handy things to keep in your car include a flashlight in case you break down during nightfall and reflective warning triangles which help to protect both you and your vehicle in case of a breakdown.

Regardless of whether you are male or female, try to exercise common sense and keep your wits about you if you need to find help, especially under the cover of darkness. If safety is a worry, especially if you are travelling long distances or through desolate areas, then having car breakdown cover in place is probably the easiest and most hassle free way to get yourself back on the road in no time.

Modern cars will rarely break down. When they do the fault can often be traced back to poor maintenance and a failure to look after the car properly. You should never ignore any faults which your car develops whilst driving. Always be on the look out for odd smells or noises. If any occur be prepared to pull over and investigate.

If you do break down your first concern should be to ensure your vehicle isn't or doesn't become a hazard for other road users. If you can you should pull off the road. If your vehicle remains on the road the switch on your hazard warning lights.

If you have a warning triangle place it on the road at at least 45 metres behind your car on the same side of the road. If you have passengers then ask them to get out of the vehicle and wait in a safe place.

To be prepared to deal with common breakdowns use the following guide.

Engine Failure

If the engine fails while driving you will lose power steering and power assistance to the brakes. This will result in the steering becoming heavier. You will need to use greater force to steer the car. You will also have to press the brake pedal harder.

Engine Overheating

If this happens then you should stop and let the engine cool down. Once cool you can look under the bonnet to investigate a cause.

Tyre Blow-out

This is when a tyre bursts while you are driving. If ever you find yourself is this situation here's what to do

1) Keep your eyes firmly on the road and both hands on the steering wheel

2) Keep the steering wheel in a steady position, making only slight movements.

3) Turn on your hazard lights to show that you are having a problem. If you are on the motorway in any lane other than the inside then don't do this straight away as it may cause impatient people to undercut you and increase the chances of an accident.

4) Try and identify where you can bring the vehicle to a stop, outside the main traffic flow - if on a motorway this will be the hard shoulder, or you may need to just pull up in a lay-by or at the side of the road, avoiding any bends.

5) Don't apply the brake but do take your foot off the accelerator and try to coast - slowing down gently (this is because if you have a faulty tyre, braking heavily can make your car swerve uncontrollably and cause a collision).

6) As your car slows down drive into the identified 'safe' spot taking care not to rush and keeping a close eye on traffic around you. If you have your hazards on then hopefully other road users will realise you have a problem and will allow you to leave the flow of traffic.

7) Park up and get yourself and your passengers out of the car, taking care that you do not put yourself or them in danger from passing cars. Move a safe distance away from the car.

A Normal Puncture

If a tyre develops a puncture while driving you should pull over to a safe location as quickly as possible. Changing a tyre on a public road can be a very dangerous activity.

1) Make sure it is safe to change the wheel

2) Remove the spare wheel, wrench and jack from the boot of your car.

3) Making sure the handbrake is on put the car into first gear (park for an automatic). Refer to your car's user manual to find where the jacking point is.

4) Making sure the jack is on firm ground attach the jack then use it to lift the car up just above the ground.

5) Remove the wheel nuts

6) Remove the wheel

7) Fit the spare wheel, tighten the wheel nuts then lower the jack.

Go to the nearest garage and get your damaged tyre fixed or replaced.

A Fire

Firstly it is always wise to carry a fire extinguisher. Secondly if ever you start to smell petrol fumes whilst driving always pull over and investigate. If your vehicle does catch fire then get yourself and any passengers out of the vehicle as quickly as possible. Call the fire brigade. Never try and extinguish a fire under the bonnet by pening the bonnet as this may make the flames flare up.

For many people breaking down on the motorway is a frightening prospect and certainly the motorway is an place of many hazards. If you do have to stop on the motorway due to your car developing a fault then here is what you should do.

1) Pull over to the hard shoulder and park as far to the left as you can.

2) Turn your steering wheel left full lock. This will point the front wheels to the left so if you're hit by another car your car will not be pushed back onto the carriageway.

3) Switch on your hazard warning lights. If it is night time or there is poor visibility turn on your side lights.

4) Exit your vehicle using the left hand doors. If you have passengers then tell them to wait on the the grassy bank or as far away from the carriageway as possible.

5) If you have any animals leave them in your vehicle.

6) Phone the emergency services. If you know your location, between two junctions then use your mobile. If you don't know your location then walk to the nearest emergency phone and call from there. This will pinpoint your location.

7) Do not attempt to repair your vehicle.

Wait for the emergency services on the grassy bank and as far from the carriageway as possible.

If your car won't reach the hard shoulder then turn on your hazard warning lights and making sure it is safe to exit your vehicle do so then make your way to the hard shoulder.

We all hope our car is reliable when we are traveling, but unfortunately problems can occur which can cause a break down. If you end up getting stranded on a road, it is important to know what to do to ensure you are safe and can resolve the problem quickly.

1. In the event of a break down, don't panic as that will make the situation more stressful. Sometimes a car just needs to sit for a few moments before it can start back up.

2. If your car breaks down, and you pull off to the side of the road, turn your hazard lights on to let the other drivers know you are no longer driving. When getting out of the car, make sure you exit on the side opposite of the road to avoid getting hit.

3. All drivers should have basic skills for minor car repair such as changing a flat tire, gas can, checking oil, radiator and other important fluid levels.

4. Always keep a cell phone with you when you are driving. This will allow you to call your auto club, a tow truck, and family or friends, to come and provide assistance.

5. Your car should contain an emergency kit that includes all of the essential fluids, flash light, reflective "Call Police" signs to post in your window, flares, and triangles.

6. If your turn the ignition and the engine won't turn over and the radio is not working, your battery may be dead. Pop the hood and check the battery to see if the connection points are dirty or corroded. They may just have to be cleaned. If the battery is still not charged, phone road side assistance, or someone that you know who can come and boost the battery. Sometimes a driver will stop and help you. If they want to take you somewhere, don't go as you don't know what kind of person you will be driving with. If you are afraid, stay in the car and lock the doors. You can always call 911 and tell them that you are alone and stuck on the side of the road.

7. If you are stuck in the dark, use your flares or triangles to attract attention.

8. If you are alone and there has not been any traffic on the road and you do not have a cell phone, go for help. Stay off of the road and walk facing oncoming traffic. Be aware of your surroundings be cautious. If someone offers you a drive, do not get into the vehicle with them. Ask them to call for assistance.

When your car breaks down, it is important to think clearly and use common sense. It is not worth putting your life in danger to get help. Knowing what to do when your car breaks down will make a normally unpleasant experience much more bearable. It will also most likely speed up the amount of time before you get help, or are back on the road driving again.